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Well, that felt predictable.
Here’s the scoop from Colorado:
MLB panel issues sealed decision in Orioles-Nats TV dispute (AP/WaPo)
The decision is unknown at this point, though the Nats' lawyer asked for that distinction, so who really knows at this point.
Nationals recall Jake Noll as Anthony Rendon continues to recover from left elbow contusion (WaPo)
Noll broke camp with the Nationals and was sent back to Fresno after a walk-off walk, but is now the official next man up as the Nats fill their bench again.
From 1 to 63: Nationals players share the stories behind their uniform numbers (The Athletic)
Wilmer Difo got his by chance. Adam Eaton likes #2, because he has tons of familial connections. It's like that for tons of guys (except Anthony Rendon, who hates #6), but almost every Nat has an interesting or funny story about their number that goes a little deeper than "it's what they handed me."
Who would win a 30-man Royal Rumble of MLB managers? Let’s investigate. (The Athletic)
“I wouldn’t mess with Gabe Kapler,” Twins bench coach Derek Shelton said. “I wouldn’t mess with Bob Melvin. He’s sneaky scary. He’s big. He’s strong. And I wouldn’t mess with Davey Martinez? Why? Because he’s got a little bit of a temper and he’s strong as shit.” (Davey is ranked number three on the list, behind David Bell of the Reds and Muscle Man Gabe Kapler (TM).)
Nolan Arenado, Coors Field do in the Nationals in series-opening loss to Rockies (WaPo)
The Rockies hit the Nationals' bullpen. The Nationals did not hit the Rockies' bullpen. The Nats thought they were one-at-bat away. It feels all too familiar.
Brian Dozier homers at Coors Field (MLB.com)
Dozier got off to a slow start this year, but with two homers in two days and some bad habits being broken, he could be on the right side of his slump.
Anthony Rendon remains out of lineup (MLB.com)
The Nats brought up Jake Noll to keep the bench full. "[Rendon] is doing a little better," Martinez said. "He's able to bend his arm back and forth, so that's a good sign. He's going to get treatment all day, and hopefully, he'll be available later on. We'll see."
Rendon out of lineup again, but no IL move yet (MASN)
In sad news, Michael A. Taylor is no longer the emergency infielder.
Robles gaining experience for next battle with outfield wall (MASN)
Victor Robles has been colliding with walls and dropping fly balls — and the Nats have made it clear to him that the injury risk it presents and the low likelihood of success don't make it quite worth it — but Davey Martinez thinks he's still pretty strong nonetheless.
In a tight NL East race, the Marlins — yes, the Marlins — could decide the division (WaPo)
The numbers project that the NL East will be super close, and that no one team will beat up on another. Except for the Marlins — everyone should beat up on the Marlins. So the teams who don't dominate in Miami will likely be the ones who aren't contenders for October.